United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Student visa processing time
3 weeks outside the UK, 8 weeks inside. CAS from a licensed sponsor is a pre-requisite.
Typical window
2 weeks – 3 weeks
Government fees
Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Student visa sits in the study category. Typical duration: Varies with course — up to length of course plus a short wrap-around.. Indicative government fees: Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit..
- Requires a sponsor.
- Non-settlement route.
- Suited for: International students enrolled at licensed UK Student sponsors, Those pursuing degree or eligible pre-sessional courses.
Primary source
GOV.UK — Student visa
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Student visa take to process?
3 weeks outside the UK, 8 weeks inside. CAS from a licensed sponsor is a pre-requisite. These figures come from GOV.UK — Student visa and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.